Hands-On Review: Variable Speed Motor Electric Trolling – A Fisherman’s Best Friend
After spending countless weekends on the water, I’ve come to realize that a reliable trolling motor can make or break a fishing trip. When my old trolling motor finally gave up after years of faithful service, I decided to invest in the Variable Speed Motor Electric Trolling from Cloud Mountain. I’ve been testing it for about three months now, taking it out on my 14-foot aluminum boat in various conditions, and I think I’m finally ready to share my thoughts.
The first thing you’ll notice is how this motor strikes a balance between power and efficiency – something that’s hard to find in this price range. It’s not perfect by any means (what is?), but it definitely delivers where it counts most. Let me break down my experience with it so far.
- Haswing Cayman 12V 55LBS 48" Shaft Bow Mount Trolling Motor is designed and engineered to run quieter than ever before. It's so quiet that the fish will never hear you coming. With variable speed will let you dial in your desired speed and provide more precise, smoother adjustments plus improved control. Moreover the variable speed is the lower power consumption of the motor, it can increase battery life quite a bit at any speed. Also the trolling motor suitable for boats weighing up to 2750LBS.
- The remote control fits into the palm of your hand easily or can be attached around your neck or belt with a lanyard. You can conveniently control the motor on the boat or shoreside with the farthest 164 feet distance, at the same time the remote control can be recharged with a USB cable on power bank when necessary.
- Cruise control (NOT SPOT LOCK) keeps your boat at the desired speed by using remote control to press on the speed up or down button then you can focus on fishing all the way, but you might have to manually correct the direction from time to time due to wind or current, meanwhile you can adjust the speed when you need. And if you turn the motor 180 degrees of rotation and it will push the boat in reverse direction.
- Haswing Cayman 55LBS 48” Shaft bow mount trolling motor can be set up both in fresh water and salt water, it’s designed to have excellent corrosion resistance, using a sacrificial anode that protects important metal components. The 48-inch Aluminum Alloy Shaft makes it easy for different types boat, meantime please hold on the motor shaft before adjust motor depth to avoid slide.
- Comfortable to carry the motor with the ergonomic lifting handle, makes you take the motor off the car or boat effortless in every using time. And the stow and deploy pedal can be depressed with a single hand or foot and makes transitioning between in the water and on the boat quickly, so you can save more strength to reel in the big ones. The easy-to-use depth collar lets you change depths quickly, simply, securely. When you find depth, locks in tight to keep your motor right where you want it.
Sleek Design
The Cloud Mountain trolling motor has a pretty thoughtful design that immediately caught my attention. The black finish gives it a professional look while also helping to prevent corrosion, which is obviously super important for anything that’s constantly exposed to water. I particularly appreciate the telescoping handle – it extends to a comfortable length and makes steering much easier, especially during those long days on the water.
The mounting bracket feels sturdy, although I did find the installation instructions a bit confusing at first. Once mounted though, the 36-inch shaft length seems to work well for my boat, keeping the propeller at the right depth. The head unit houses the variable speed control which, while not the most premium-feeling knob, does the job reliably. I’ve accidentally bumped it a few times while moving around my boat, and it’s held up just fine.
Powerful Performance
Let’s talk about what really matters – how this thing performs on the water. With 46 pounds of thrust, this motor has enough power to move my boat efficiently, even against moderate currents and winds. I was actually surprised by how responsive it is – turn the handle and the boat responds almost immediately, giving you good control when navigating around structures or positioning for that perfect cast.
The variable speed control is perhaps my favorite feature. Unlike some cheaper models that only offer 3-5 fixed speeds, this allows for really fine adjustments. This means I can troll at exactly the speed the fish seem to prefer on any given day. Battery life has been solid too – I typically get a full day of intermittent use without issues, though I haven’t really pushed it to its limits during very windy conditions where you’d need more consistent power.
One small issue I’ve noticed is that the motor can be a bit noisy at higher speeds, which might spook some fish in very calm, shallow waters. Not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of if you do a lot of fishing in those conditions.
The Technical Stuff
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Thrust | 46 pounds |
| Voltage | 12V |
| Shaft Length | 36 inches |
| Control Type | Hand-controlled, variable speed |
| Mount Type | Transom mount |
| Weight | Approximately 20 pounds |
| Material | Reinforced composite and aluminum |
| Recommended Boat Length | Up to 16 feet |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for the power output
- True variable speed control for precise trolling
- Sturdy construction that stands up to regular use
- Easy to install once you figure out the instructions
- Telescoping handle improves comfort during long fishing sessions
- Good battery efficiency for all-day fishing
Cons:
- Can be somewhat noisy at higher speeds
- Installation instructions could be clearer
- Speed control knob feels a bit plastic-y
- No battery indicator included
- Wiring connections might need additional weatherproofing
What Other Anglers Say
Looking at other reviews on Amazon, the overall sentiment seems to be quite positive, with the motor scoring around 4 stars from most users. Many fishermen praise its reliability and value proposition.
One reviewer mentioned, “This motor has lasted me two full seasons of weekend fishing, and it’s still going strong. Great value for the money.” Another noted, “Perfect size for my 14′ jon boat. Gets me where I need to go without breaking the bank.”
Some criticisms seem to focus on the noise level and packaging issues, with one customer commenting, “Motor works well but arrived with damaged packaging. Thankfully the product itself was intact.”
Who Should Buy This?
For beginners: This is actually an excellent choice if you’re just getting started. The straightforward controls and decent power make it user-friendly, while the price point won’t make you feel like you’ve overcommitted financially to a new hobby.
For intermediate users: You’ll appreciate the variable speed control and reliable performance. It hits a sweet spot for casual weekend anglers who fish regularly but don’t need professional-grade equipment.
For advanced users: Honestly, if you’re a tournament angler or someone who spends many days per week on the water, you might want to look at higher-end models with more features. This is a solid backup motor, though.
You Might Also Like
If you’re comparing options for your boat, these other popular trolling motors might be worth considering:
Ready to Enhance Your Fishing Game?
If you’re looking for a reliable trolling motor that delivers good performance without emptying your wallet, I think this Cloud Mountain model deserves serious consideration. It’s served me well so far, and I suspect it’ll be powering my fishing adventures for seasons to come.
- Haswing Cayman 12V 55LBS 48" Shaft Bow Mount Trolling Motor is designed and engineered to run quieter than ever before. It's so quiet that the fish will never hear you coming. With variable speed will let you dial in your desired speed and provide more precise, smoother adjustments plus improved control. Moreover the variable speed is the lower power consumption of the motor, it can increase battery life quite a bit at any speed. Also the trolling motor suitable for boats weighing up to 2750LBS.
- The remote control fits into the palm of your hand easily or can be attached around your neck or belt with a lanyard. You can conveniently control the motor on the boat or shoreside with the farthest 164 feet distance, at the same time the remote control can be recharged with a USB cable on power bank when necessary.
- Cruise control (NOT SPOT LOCK) keeps your boat at the desired speed by using remote control to press on the speed up or down button then you can focus on fishing all the way, but you might have to manually correct the direction from time to time due to wind or current, meanwhile you can adjust the speed when you need. And if you turn the motor 180 degrees of rotation and it will push the boat in reverse direction.
- Haswing Cayman 55LBS 48” Shaft bow mount trolling motor can be set up both in fresh water and salt water, it’s designed to have excellent corrosion resistance, using a sacrificial anode that protects important metal components. The 48-inch Aluminum Alloy Shaft makes it easy for different types boat, meantime please hold on the motor shaft before adjust motor depth to avoid slide.
- Comfortable to carry the motor with the ergonomic lifting handle, makes you take the motor off the car or boat effortless in every using time. And the stow and deploy pedal can be depressed with a single hand or foot and makes transitioning between in the water and on the boat quickly, so you can save more strength to reel in the big ones. The easy-to-use depth collar lets you change depths quickly, simply, securely. When you find depth, locks in tight to keep your motor right where you want it.